This is the world we’re facing right now
Every person, industry and business is facing new challenges unique to them, and the fight against human trafficking is not without its own new difficulties.
It’s our job to be educated about these new vulnerabilities and how best to protect and act.
And it’s our job to share this with you, so that victims of exploitation and trafficking are not forgotten and abandoned. Ignorance is only bliss for those who are thousands of miles from the pain but knowledge can mobilize us to be someone's answer.
Our understanding highlights these 4 issues as the main obstacles that have risen from the pandemic.
Escalated vulnerability and poverty
As we know, many industries have lost exorbitant amounts of income and the supply chain vendors have taken one of the biggest hits. So many workers, especially supply chain workers which is a substantial amount of the workforce in developing countries, are left jobless and vulnerable. Exploiters take advantage of this kind of desperation and vulnerability and so poverty-stricken landscape breeds trafficking like no other.
Reduced access to social workers, teachers, community leaders
In several of our cases, teachers have been the ones to take notice of ‘symptoms’ of abuse which led to the discovery of exploitation. With schools closing, children are having less contact with adults who are looking out for them in the case that their family is unsafe or absent. And, with certain lockdown restrictions, social workers are not able to intervene as easily as before.
Less reporting
Like the teachers, many trafficking cases are identified and reported by the public. Lockdown has meant that exploitation is occurring behind closed doors and being perpetuated by the victims being stuck inside with their perpetrator without anyone else knowing.
Mental health
The current state of the world is increasing anxiety, depression and other mental health illnesses across the board. The uncertainty and isolation has negative affects on many and, for victims of exploitation, it can trigger memories of their trauma.
We are continuously adapting what we do and developing new strategies so that we can have the greatest impact in Cambodia. Our conversations with our partner non-government organisations are ever-changing and reflecting the current state of human trafficking.
Your support enables us to reach out and support reintegrated girls and their families with food and other practical help that ensures their day to day safety.
Let’s together make a lasting impact. Join the cause and donate now to see lives completely transformed.